La Tine de Conflens
Start the walk in the centre of Cossonay, heading in the direction of La Sarraz: cross fields and forests passing by the small village of Dizy to arrive at the Tine de Conflens.
For the return, skirt the Venoge river for a while, on the way you will be able to admire magnificent monuments such as the castle of La Sarraz or the castle of Eclépens.
Several picnic tables are set along the way, making a scenic stop for lunch. There are many drinking water fountains in the villages along the way.
Randonnée à pied Tine de Conflens La Sarraz (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
Randonnée à pied Tine de Conflens La Sarraz (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
Tine de Conflens - canal d'Entreroche (MRT)
Tine de Conflens - canal d'Entreroche (MRT)
565.17364501953
Commune de Cossonay
The town of Cossonay is situated at the ridge of a plateau about 130 metres above the valley of the Venoge river. The Venoge river means a lot to the inhabitants of Vaud – in 1954 it was eternalised by the famous poet and chansonnier Jean Villars-Gilles.
From far away one can spot the tower of the Protestant church that overtops the old town. The alleys of the old town invite the visitors for a stroll. A funicular, which was constructed in 1897, connects Cossonay town to Penthalaz-Cossonay train station.
In Cossonay there is also a nature protection area, called Etang du Sépey. Etang du Sépey is a hatchery for amphibians of national importance. Accommodating 14 of the 18 species of amphibians that are recorded in Switzerland, it is one of Switzerland’s richest protection areas.
(© MRT)
(© Gabrielle Tendon)
(© Tanniger)
558.31536865234
Tawan Thai (12 GM points)
Thai cuisine is reputed as one of the world’s best, while the country has earned the nickname of “land of smiles” thanks to its population. All the qualities of Thailand can be found at the Tawan Thai restaurant in Cossonay. This is why the Kongsunton family has received 12 Gault & Millau points, which are rarely rewarded to exotic restaurants.
There is a vast choice of diverse, freshly prepared dishes. Regular guests enjoy the assortment of specialties to share as starters: spring rolls, skewered meat with satay sauce, fried ravioli, shrimp pancakes and chicken fillets. The main-course dishes are reminiscent of your last trip to Thailand: sautéed chicken with cashew nuts (delightful!), shrimps on a red curry sauce or thinly sliced beef with Thai basil. And why not enjoy these delights with a surprising Thai wine?
The lovely terrace and the dining room offer a refreshingly different setting and the service staff wearing traditional costume (evenings and weekends) will take you on a journey.
Tawan Thaï (©TawanThaï)
Tawan Thaï (©TawanThaï)
Tawan Thaï (©TawanThaï)
Tawan Thai (©Tawan Thai)
510.10513305664
Tine de Conflens
The tumultuous waters of the Veyron and the Venoge have shaped canyons in the limestone rock of the Tine de Conflens. Beautiful waterfalls are visible. The Helvetians, contemporaries of the Romans, erected there a "chatelard", a fortified camp, of which the vestiges of the enclosure remain. A sign-posted path allows access to the bottom of the gorges where you can admire perfect "torrential pots" that "play" with the course of the water.
Let us note finally that the word Tine means Barrel and Conflens comes from the word confluence.
Visitors have several possibilities to reach the Tine de Conflens:
SBB train: stop at Gare de La Sarraz station, then walk to the Tine - approx. 40 minutes on foot
MBC bus n°760: stop Ferreyres La Tine, then walk to La Tine - approx. 20 minutes on foot (everyday)
Limited parking facilities
For visitors who do not have the possibility to take public transport; the car park of the Sarraz sports centre is to be preferred. It is about 25 minutes walk from the Tine de Conflens. Alternatively, there is a communal car park at Les Vignettes opposite the SBB railway station.
Tine de Conflens (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
Randonnée à pied Tine de Conflens La Sarraz (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
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Commune de Dizy
...
(© Commune de Dizy)
485.94271850586
La Sarraz
Perched on a rocky ridge, the small town La Sarraz (485 m) dominates a plain covered with wheat and colza fields opposite the snow-capped Alpine peaks.
It is located close to where the rivers separate: the waters of Nozon river flow to the North Sea and the Mediterranean as well. The point of separation is an old man-made deviation and has been baptized "Middle of the World". The River Venoge was celebrated in one of Jean Villars-Gilles's poems, which the inhabitants of the Lake Geneva Region know by heart.
Celebrations and weddings are still held in La Sarraz medieval castle, which was tastefully renovated. It also houses the Horse Museum, which was founded by horse lovers. The collection shows the history of the horse, horse-drawn carriages, and horses for the army, for sports or for arts.
La Sarraz village (©Studio Patrick Jantet)
La Sarraz village (Commune de La Sarraz)
La Sarraz château (Commune de la Sarraz)
503.55529785156
Horse Museum
The Musée du Cheval was opened in the imposing original 18th century barn at La Sarraz Castle in 1982.
The museum is the only one in Switzerland dedicated to the horse and is divided into several themes:
- art
- equine veterinary medicine
- the horse in the history of agriculture
- the horse in the army
- sport
- racing - games
- leisure
This rich collection includes some unusual historical pieces including the Grimsel mail coach which was built in 1895 and ran from Meiringen to Gletsch until 1922. Jean-Abram Noverraz, Napoleon Bonaparte’s Vaudois servant, left the gifts he received from the emperor who was subsequently exiled to Saint Helena on Vaudois soil. These included three French style saddles, three bridles decorated with silver and four hunting rifles which were for Napoleon’s personal use.
Artists, painters, sculptors and comic strip illustrators are invited each month for an exhibition and sale.
The museum also offers conferences, training courses, book signings and all other activities related to the equestrian world.
Musée du Cheval - bâtiment (Simon Contreras)
Musée de Cheval - entrée (Simon Contreras)
499.90689086914
La Sarraz Castle
From its construction until it was turned into a museum, La Sarraz Castle has always belonged to the barons of La Sarraz, unlike the majority of castles that pass from hand to hand. The fact that it still looks like a family home, decorated with furniture and works of art acquired over centuries, makes it a fascinating place to visit.
The interior expresses the ambiance and taste of generations of a patrician family. Precious furniture, silverware and rare china testify to a sophisticated dining style. These historic rooms can be rented for receptions, celebrations, balls and weddings.
In 1982, equestrian enthusiasts opened the Musée du Cheval in this historic setting. The collection includes Napoleon 1st’s saddles, the Grimsel mail coach and sculptures of horses, along with a presentation of the work of the farrier or veterinarian.
Guided tours :
By reservation (min. 1 week in advance) only. Available in French, Swiss-German, German and English. Duration approx. 1 hour. CHF 90.00 (up to a maximum of 25 people)
NEW ! CASTLE DOMAIN PASS - 2 MUSEUMS 1 TICKET (CASTLE OF LA SARRAZ AND HORSE MUSEUM)
Individuals:
Adults from 16 years old: CHF 20.00
AVS, AI, unemployed, student : CHF 13.00 (upon presentation of proof)
Children (6 to 16 years): CHF 9.00
Families (2 adults + 3 children): CHF 45.00
RATES Château de la Sarraz
Individuals
Adults over 16: CHF 13.00
AVS, AI, unemployed, student : CHF 9.00 (upon presentation of proof)
Children (6 to 16 years): CHF 5.00
Families (2 adults + 3 children): CHF 28.00
Groups of 15 people or more
Adults aged 16 and over: CHF 10.00
Children aged 6 to 15: CHF 4.00
SCHOOL GROUPS
Compulsory school
Children: CHF 4.00
Accompanying person: CHF 6.00
Post-compulsory school
Apprentice / Gymnasium: CHF 8.00
Accompanying person: CHF 10.00
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Chateau_La_Sarraz_1 (Simon Contreras)
454.85739135742
Commune d'Éclépens
The village of Éclépens at the foot of the Mormont hill, which vineyard is one of the oldest in Switzerland, is situated between the Jura foot and the Gros-de-Vaud district, at an altitude of 465m, on the left bank of the Venoge river.
Éclépens belongs to the district of Morges, which consists of 66 communes. Half of the territory of Eclépens is used for agriculture. It borders on the communes of Oulens and Daillens in the East, Lussery-Villars in the South, La Sarraz in the West and Orny and Bavois in the North.
The construction of the Entreroches Canal had been started in 1638. Its objective was to link the North Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The project was developed by the Breton Elie Gouret and was of international importance. However, the canal was never built further than to Cossonay because of financial problems; about fifteen kilometres were missing. The project was definitely given up in 1829. Nowadays there are impressive vestiges left, such as the house of the ferryman.
In the forests of the Mormont hill important vestiges of a sanctuary of the Helvetii were found in 2006, dating back to the years between 120 and 80 B.C. It turned out to be a quite important discovery for the knowledge about the civilisation of the Helvetian. The place of discovery was recovered.
(© Commune d'Éclépens)
(© Commune d'Éclépens)
(© Commune d'Éclépens)
467.16525268555
Château d'Eclépens
“Le Château d’Eclépens” is a historical residence. It backs onto a hill “La Colline du Mormont” and its vineyard benefits from a mild and exceptionally protected microclimate. The castle produces one of the oldest wines in Vaud. More recent varieties like Gamaret, Garanoir and Cabernet are also produced along with white wines like Chasselas, Doral and Pinot Gris. The castle opens its gardens and rooms for events, including wedding receptions.
Seminars:
Rooms: 3, 30m2 to 300m2. Different possibilities of configuration (theatre, classic, banquet, cocktail)
Conference material upon request
Château d'Eclépens (© Château d'Eclépens)
Mariage au Château d'Eclépens (© Chateau d'Eclépens)
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